Shaft-coupling.



A. E. BARBER.

SHAFT COUPLING. APPLIQATION FILED MAY25.1914.

PatentedAug. 17,1915.

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Specification of Letters Patent.

I Patented he rt, this.

. Application filed May 225, 1914:. Serial N0. 840,859.

1 To all whom it may concern couplings designed primarily for connectingI shaft connections in endwise relation, the

improved coupling constituting an integral resilient member capable ofperforming the full functions of the coupling and at the same timepermitting a yielding under sudden shocks whereby the couplingadditionally functions as a shock absorber, rendering it particularlyadvantageous in connecting the proximate ends of the crank shaf -andtransmission shaft of an automobile driving mechanism.

The main object of the present invention is the provision of a couplingconsisting of a single piece formed for the greater portion of itslength to provide a spirally wound circular spring member, the endsbeing reduced in transverse dimensions and formed to present an interioroutline of the angular formation corresponding in size and shape to thatof the shaft ends, whereby the coupling is frictionally secured to theshaft ends with the intermediate spring portion arranged between them.

. The invention in the preferred form of details will be described inthefollowing specification, reference being had particularly to. theaccompanying drawings,

wherein,

. Figure l is and transmission shaftof an automobile driving mechanism.Fig. 2 is an enlarged Referring ,partlcul oom- . prises an integral body1, having a central I portion 2 hereinafter termed the spring sectionand end portions 3 and d, of duplicate structure and hereinafter termedthe connecting sections.

to T ti on is formed to Thecoupling is constructed of a single length ofmaterial of any desired sectional formation which throughout the springsecprovide an emt that. illustrating the a t. cation of the coupling tothe crank shaft."-

lFig. 3. is an.

spiral spring construction, the transverse formation .of which ispreferably circular and the adjacent coils preferably arranged inslightly spaced relation. The terminals of material beyond the springsection are. hollow formed in spiral outline though disposed about arectangular shaft in cross section. The terminals or connecting sections3 and t are thus of angular outline throughout their lengths,corresponding in such out line and in the sectional dimensions thereofto the terminals 5 of the shaft ends which they are to engage. Thespring section 2, as also the connecting sections 3 and d may be of anyappropriate length, and nothing herein is intended as a limitation withrespect either to the transverse dimensions of the respective sectionsor of the interior formation of the connecting sections, so long as thelatter are of such shape and size as to snugly and frictionally receivethe shaft ends and when in position thereon be held against independentrotative movement.

In use particularly in connection with an automobile driving mechanismthe proximate shaft ends are engaged in the respective connectingsections 3 and 4 as shown, the coupling being-thus secured againstindependent rotative' movement with respect to both shaft ends.

As the driving shaft is operated the driven shaft receives-its rotativeaction through the coupling-,lthe transmission being direct as with anintegral structure ex cept thatthe spring section 2 of the conplingpermits a relative yielding of the respective connectingsections 3 and4: in the rotative plane thereby overcoming sudden jerks amidst-locksand preventing the transmission of such from one shaft to'the other.This is particularly,- advantageous in automobile structure assuch-shocks, ordinarily incident to a suddenl throwing in of the clutchproves disadvantageous to the con- -nec'tedparts, and these shocks areentirely and wholly; obviated by the present coupling.

It is of course to be understood that while the improvement is designedprimarily for 1 automobile driving mechanism ll contemplate its use asshaft coupling in any and all situations where such coupling could ormight'be used.-

Having thus described inventiomwhat 1MB ll desire to secure by LettersPatent is:

IL. The combination with shaft terals adapted for rotation andnon-circular in cross section of a coupling for connecting saidterminals including a single length of material spirally wound toprovide a central portion and reduced end portions projected beyond andin line With the central portion, the end portions having an internalbore corresponding in size and shape with that of the shaft terminals,said end portions being adapted to fit the shaft terminals to secure thecoupling as such to both shaft terminals against rotative movementindependent of either.

2. The combination with shaft terminals adapted for rotation in unisonand being non-circular in cross section, of a coupling including a'singlespirally wound member having an approximately circular centralportion and end portions PI'QJGCtQd beyond and in line with the centralportion, the end portions having an internal bore corresponding in sizeand shape with that of the shaft terminals, whereby said-shaft terminalsWhen connected by the coupling are adapted for simultaneous movement ineither direction through the use of the coupling.

p In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

